‘Act of Valor’ Soundtrack – Album Review

The ‘Act of Valor’ soundtrack is a collection of 10 moody songs that ultimately get one excited about the movie, which opens up nationwide on Friday (Feb. 24). Although one can only assume it’s going to be the saddest movie ever.

Homogenized production makes this album a queer listen from front to back. It seems that each artist — including Sugarland, Lady Antebellum and Montgomery Gentry — didn’t get full creative control of their cut, but there are more than a few brilliant vocal performance to overcome the presence of drum tracks and absence of traditional country instruments.

Keith Urban‘s ‘For You’ sets the tone and is especially powerful. Later on, Trace Adkins delivers on ‘If the Sun Comes Up.’ “If the sun comes up without me tomorrow / You’ll be fine / Just let it shine on you,” he sings in a voice that’s deep, even by Adkins’ standards.

Hunter Hayes (‘Where We Left Off’), Wynonna (‘Whatever Brings You Back’) and Jake Owen also deliver solid performances. In fact, ‘The Best I Can’ may be Owen’s best vocal performance of his career… until the end when the repetition chips away at the song’s sobriety. Really, all 10 artists bury themselves beneath the weight of the project and emerge with emotion and vulnerability.

One’s opinion of the movie should ultimately decide if the ‘Act of Valor’ soundtrack is worth purchasing, however. On its own it’s little more than a depressing collection of songs by really talented country artists. However, each song will no doubt take on new meaning after watching scenes of US Navy SEALS on the big screen.